BHP's Net Rises for Year
As Asian Economy Revives

MELBOURNE -- BHP Billiton Ltd. Thursday reported better-than-expected earnings for the fiscal year as the Asian region showed signed of an economic rebound.

The Australia-based mining giant reported net profit of $1.90 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, compared to $1.69 billion last year and ahead of estimates of $1.81 billion made by a consensus of 12 analysts polled by Dow Jones Newswires. The results include an unfavorable...